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Markets Rebound as Hopes for Iran–U.S. Dialogue Ease Geopolitical Tensions

U.S. stock futures edged higher on Wednesday as signs of potential diplomatic movement in the Iran–U.S. standoff helped calm volatile markets. Futures tied to the S&P 500 rose about 0.3%, the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.5%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 0.2% after a turbulent prior session.  The shift in sentiment followed reports that Iran has quietly approached the United States to discuss terms for ending the escalating conflict , a development that helped cool fears of further disruption in global energy markets. This diplomatic signal contributed to a rebound after Tuesday’s sharp sell-off, when concerns over widening conflict and rising oil prices rattled investors.  The conflict, now in its fifth day, has seen continued strikes and mounting casualties, adding to market unease. Iran is preparing for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed in recent attacks, while regional tensions remain high.  Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Wednesda...

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Tax Planning Resolutions for 2024

 

As the new year approaches, it’s important to consider your financial goals for 2024. One of the most important things to consider is income tax planning. Knowing about newer tax rules and benefits can help you customize a plan that will maximize your money in the year ahead. Here are five tax planning resolutions to consider:

  • Understand your tax rate: Each year, the federal government sets new tax brackets for personal income tax and certain benefit amounts that are indexed for inflation. For the 2024 tax year, Canadians will see an indexation increase of 4.7% to their personal income tax brackets.

  • Contribute to your employer’s RRSP: The biggest investment experts say you can make in your future while optimizing your tax savings is contributing your pre-tax income into an RRSP account. For the 2023 tax year, workers can contribute up to $30,780 in tax-deferred income to an RRSP, according to the CRA. In 2024, the limit will increase to $31,560.

  • Take advantage of home buyer tax perks: Two programs with tax benefits for Canadian home buyers are the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHIB). There’s also the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, sometimes called the Home Buyers’ Amount.

  • Check your eligibility for child care benefits: If you’re a parent (or plan to become one soon), there are several helpful tax benefits to incorporate into your annual financial plan. The Canada Child Benefit is the most notable perk which currently provides parents up to $7,437 per child under the age of six and up to $6,275 for children ages six through 17 in 2023.

  • Maximize self-employment income and benefits: If you run your own business or are self-employed, tax time is ideal for making a plan of attack for the year ahead. Your plan should include a cash flow analysis, including how you’re paid from your business.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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